Mackays toasts surge in annual profits

GARETH MACKIE

Family-owned marmalade maker Mackays has reported a jump in profits after expanding its manufacturing capacity.

The Arbroath-based producer of preserves, curds and chutneys said pre-tax profits for the 12 months to the end of December came in at £836,554 – an increase of 13.7 per cent on 2013.

Managing director Martin Grant said the firm, founded in 1938, had invested a total of £376,648 in bringing increased capacity to its manufacturing process.

He added: “The strength of the Mackays and Mrs Bridges brands, coupled with robust supplier and retail relationships and a steady cost base, provides the business with a solid foundation on which to meet the challenges of the current economic environment.”

Turnover rose by almost 1 per cent during the year to reach £17 million, and the company’s balance sheet strengthened from the 2013 figure of £2.68m to stand at £3.3m.

Mackays employs 150 people at its manufacturing base in Arbroath, and Grant added: “We are very proud to be based in a region famous for its jam-making heritage and also for our contribution to the Angus economy.”